Planetary Conversations

Alicia Ely Yamin - Defending Public Health

This week Warren’s guest is Alicia Ely Yamin (JD MPH PhD) who is a Lecturer on Law at Harvard Law School. Known globally for her trans-disciplinary work in relation to economic and social rights, reproductive justice, the right to health, and the intersections between development paradigms and human rights, Alicia Ely Yamin’s career has bridged academia and activism. She has lived in Latin America and East Africa for much of her professional life and worked with local advocacy organizations, including co-founding a program on health and human rights in the Asociación Pro Derechos Humanos (Lima, Peru; 1999). Dr. Yamin is a Senior Adviser on Human Rights and Health Policy at the global health justice organization, Partners In Health, and is the Director of the Global Health and Rights Project at Harvard Law School. Alicia and Warren will talk about her life journey, international work, and research into maternal health programs and human rights standards and principles among national governments and international institutions. Listeners can learn more by going to DefendPublicHealth.org. [https://www.defendpublichealth.org/home]

Dr. Nicole Redvers - The Science of the Sacred

This week Warren's guest is Dr. Nicole Redvers, a member of the Deninu K'ue First Nation Band and the first Dene licensed practicing naturopathic doctor in North America. Dr. Redvers is an Associate Professor, Western Research Chair, Director-Indigenous Planetary Health at Western University. She has traveled the globe, studying traditional medicine systems in various countries and working with Indigenous patients, helping to bridge the gap between traditional and modern medical systems. In addition, Dr. Redvers developed Northern Canada's only integrative medicine clinic from the ground up and co-founded the Arctic Indigenous Wellness Foundation (AIWF). Nicole is the author of The Science of the Sacred: Bridging Global Indigenous Medicine Systems and Modern Scientific Principles. Warren and Nicole will talk about her life and career experiences, and the state of Indigenous Health services in our country.

Kawartha Lakes - MuniciPAL AI

This episode is Warren's conversation with Cheri Davidson and Kristy Guthrie. Cheri is the Manager of Communications and Marketing for the City of Kawartha Lakes, Ontario. She has teamed up with Kristy, founder of MuniciPAL AI, to bring artificial intelligence to City services making it easier for citizens to access local government services online. This is the first use of AI in this way in Canada. As a bonus, there may be a discussion about horses as well! Listen in to find out.

Julian Branch - Asbestos in our Water Pipes

This week Warren's guest is Julian Branch, an award-winning journalist who spent many years in the business as a national correspondent with The Canadian Press. Following his time in journalism, Julian embarked on a second career in strategic communications, where he served as the Director of Communications for 3 provincial premiers. In his retirement Julian has pursued an issue few people know. Asbestos-cement fabricated water pipes deliver water to millions of people around the world including in Canada. Research shows the pipes have reached the end of their lives and are shedding fibres into the water. While the hazards of inhaling asbestos are well documented, there is still a debate regarding the hazards of ingested asbestos. Warren and Julian will discuss this issue and highlight the urgent actions that need to be taken for the health of every person impacted by asbestos contamination of our water.

Issues in Hospice and Palliative Care

In this show Warren's guests are Salmon Arm residents Kathy DeMille, Jenae Pedersen RN, and Adele Preto MD (Rtd.). These ladies are all associated with the Shuswap Hospice Society and will talk with Warren about the history and value of palliative and hospice care in our area, and around the world. From the valiant work of clinical staff and volunteers in providing palliative and hospice care, to the challenges in finding resources and facilities to support our community, this conversation will offer insight into the world of end of life care and providing for loved ones through their final days.